The Great British Baking Show (2010)

With the addition of Allison and her easy chemistry with the contestants — it seems like they've returned to what made the show so great to begin with tone-wise and managed a very sweet premiere. Let's see what the next challenge brings.

Before watching last night’s episode, I thought it was on its last legs. But the straightforward approach to the challenges and the breath of fresh air that is Alison Hammond have proven me wrong. Turns out there’s life in the stale sponge yet.

Too many contestants jostle for camera time. When the field is whittled down and we get to know them better, the series will settle into a rhythm. This isn’t quite a show-stopping opener, but a hugely promising start. Good bakes.

Bake Off, thankfully, has returned to its warm and unthreatening ways.

With so many bakers to attempt to get to know, there are some that don’t make an impression, and there’s not much time to focus on the bakes themselves, especially as there are no great disasters. .... Alison’s excitement is infectious, and you can tell she genuinely loves the show. Somehow she’s shown more enthusiasm and joy in this one episode than Noel has the entire time he’s been a presenter, and she’s drawing out the best in Prue, Paul, and Noel as well.